Boca Juniors delivered an unforgettable 18-minute fightback against Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup, thrilling 63,587 fans at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and captivating Indian football fans. Though Bayern won 2-1, Boca’s second-half surge showed their fighting spirit.

A Tough First Half
Bayern Munich, the German champions, controlled the early game. In the 18th minute, Harry Kane scored with a strong header from a perfect cross, putting Bayern 1-0 up. Boca struggled to keep up with Bayern’s sharp passing and possession, finding few chances before halftime.
Boca’s Second-Half Comeback
Everything changed after the break. Boca Juniors came out with energy and determination, driven by their loud supporters. In the 67th minute, striker Luis Merentiel sparked the comeback with a stunning goal. He dribbled past two Bayern defenders and fired a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer helpless. Fans on X called it a “world-class goal,” and it marked the start of Boca’s 18-minute rampage.
The 18-Minute Blitz
For the next 18 minutes, Boca played with incredible intensity. They pressed Bayern hard, won back the ball quickly, and created several scoring chances. Merentiel almost scored again with a curling shot that hit the post, while Edinson Cavani forced Neuer to save a strong header. Bayern’s defense, usually solid, looked shaky as Boca’s aggressive play caused problems. Indian fans on X went wild, with one user saying, “Boca’s making Bayern sweat!” The stadium echoed with Boca fans’ chants, boosting the team’s momentum. For those 18 minutes, it seemed like Boca could tie or even win the game.

Bayern Holds On
Despite Boca’s efforts, Bayern regained control. In the 84th minute, Michael Olise scored a brilliant curling shot, set up by Kane, to make it 2-1. This goal sealed Bayern’s victory and their spot in the Round of 16. Boca fought until the end but couldn’t find another goal, leaving them with one point in Group C.
After the match, Bayern’s coach Vincent Kompany praised Boca: “They’re a historic club, and their second half pushed us hard. We stayed focused to win.” Boca’s coach Diego Martinez was proud: “We matched one of the best teams in the world. Our fans in Argentina and India can hold their heads high.”
Why India Loves This Match
Indian football fans stayed up late to watch, and the game became a massive hit. The hashtag #ClubWorldCup trended on X in India, with fans praising Merentiel’s goal and Boca’s courage. Bayern’s stars like Kane and Olise also drew attention, making this high-drama match a perfect fit for India’s growing football craze.
What’s Next?
Boca now faces Auckland City in a must-win game, needing a big score to stay alive in the tournament. Bayern, already in the knockouts, will play Benfica next. Boca’s 18-minute surge against Bayern proved they can challenge the best, even if they didn’t get the result.
Indian fans are still talking about this exciting match, and Boca’s bold performance showed the world they’re a force to be reckoned with.
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Last Updated on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 2:32 pm by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Saturday, June 21, 2025 2:31 pm | News Categories: Entertainment